No he sido seleccionado en la lotería H1B - ¿Y ahora qué?

Kris Quadros-Ragar • June 27, 2024

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Perderse la lotería H-1B puede suponer un duro revés, sobre todo para quienes ansían trabajar en Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, no todas las esperanzas están perdidas. Hay múltiples vías y opciones a considerar si no eres seleccionado en la lotería inicial de H-1B.

1. Segunda oportunidad en la lotería del año en curso

Un resquicio de esperanza para los no seleccionados inicialmente es la posibilidad de un sorteo de "segunda oportunidad". Las inscripciones no seleccionadas en el sorteo de marzo permanecen en la reserva para un posible segundo sorteo si los seleccionados iniciales no completan su proceso de solicitud antes de la fecha límite del 30 de junio. Esto significa que su inscripción aún podría ser elegida más adelante en el año. Aunque la probabilidad de selección en esta segunda oportunidad es baja debido al gran volumen de inscritos, es una posibilidad a la que merece la pena aferrarse.

2. Prepárate para el sorteo del año que viene

Mientras espera un posible segundo sorteo, es prudente prepararse para presentar una inscripción H-1B para la lotería del año siguiente. Para los empleadores, mantener la autorización de trabajo de un empleado en Estados Unidos. es fundamental y requiere una planificación cuidadosa, especialmente si el empleado se encuentra actualmente en Estados Unidos. con un visado diferente.

3. Programas de estudios adicionales

Para aquellos con un visado F-1 que se acercan al final de su OPT o STEM OPT, considerar una educación adicional podría ser una ruta beneficiosa. Matricularse en otro programa académico puede permitirte optar a la Formación Práctica Curricular (CPT), que proporciona una autorización de trabajo relacionada con tu campo de estudio.

4. Empleo en empresas exentas de la obligación de visado H-1B

Otra estrategia viable es buscar empleo en organizaciones exentas de la obligación de solicitar el visado. Entre ellas se encuentran las instituciones de enseñanza superior, las entidades sin ánimo de lucro afiliadas a instituciones educativas y las organizaciones gubernamentales de investigación. Trabajar para una empresa exenta del límite le permite evitar el sistema de lotería.

5. Alternativas en opciones de visado

5. Alternativas en opciones de visado
Hay otras categorías de visado que pueden encajar en su situación si la vía del visado H-1B no está disponible actualmente:
  • Visados E-1 y E-2: Para nacionales de países con un tratado comercial con Estados Unidos, que realicen actividades comerciales o de inversión sustanciales.
  • Visado E-3: Específico para ciudadanos australianos, este visado comparte similitudes con el H-1B pero no está sujeto al tope.
  • Visado H-1B1: Disponible para nacionales de Singapur y Chile con beneficios similares al visado H-1B pero sin las restricciones del límite máximo.
  • Visados O-1 o P-1: Para individuos que demuestren habilidades extraordinarias en su campo o aquellos que sean reconocidos internacionalmente.
  • Visado TN: Para ciudadanos canadienses y mexicanos en determinadas profesiones, lo que permite un acceso más fácil al trabajo en Estados Unidos sin límite máximo.
  • Visado L-1: Permite traslados interempresariales para empresas multinacionales.
6. Buscar la residencia permanente

Si está pensando en un futuro a largo plazo en Estados Unidos, iniciar el proceso de obtención de la tarjeta verde podría ser un paso estratégico. Aunque se trata de un proceso más largo y complejo, merece la pena hablar de las posibilidades (tanto si se basan en el empleo como si no) con un abogado de inmigración para estudiar su elegibilidad y los plazos.

Cada una de estas vías requiere una planificación cuidadosa y la comprensión de los requisitos específicos de elegibilidad y plazos. El equipo de Santos Lloyd Law Firm puede proporcionar orientación personalizada basada en sus circunstancias particulares y ayudarle a navegar a través de estas alternativas de manera efectiva.

Este blog no pretende ser una asesoría legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que aquí lea.

Kris Quadros-Ragar


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By Shirin Navabi April 3, 2025
For international business owners and entrepreneurs engaged in cross-border trade with the United States , the opportunity to expand operations and establish a physical presence in the U.S. may be more accessible than expected. The E-1 Treaty Trader Visa is specifically designed to facilitate this type of business activity and offers a strategic pathway for qualifying individuals to live and work in the United States while managing or developing trade relationships. While 2025 has brought a trend of changes in immigration policy, the E-1 visa continues to stand out as a viable and welcoming option . Despite increased scrutiny across various immigration categories, this visa remains suitable for those involved in consistent, qualifying trade with the U.S. Its structure and purpose align well with current business realities, making it a stable choice even amid policy shifts. The E-1 visa is available to nationals of countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States . To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they are engaged in substantial trade—defined as a continuous flow of sizable international transactions—primarily between their home country and the U.S. Unlike investment-based visas, the E-1 visa does not require a fixed monetary threshold. Instead, it emphasizes active commercial exchange, such as the regular transfer of goods, services, or technology. This visa is applicable across a wide range of industries , including but not limited to manufacturing, logistics, professional services, consulting, finance, tourism, and technology. If more than 50% of your international trade is with the United States, and the business activity is consistent and well-documented, the E-1 visa may be a strong fit for your current business model. In addition to its flexibility, the E-1 visa is renewable as long as the trade activity continues. It also extends benefits to eligible family members: spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the principal visa holder, and spouses are eligible to apply for U.S. work authorization, offering added support and financial opportunity for the family. This visa category is particularly well-suited for business professionals who are already operating in international markets and looking to formalize or expand their presence in the U.S. It rewards active engagement, proven commercial performance, and long-term trade partnerships. If you are currently engaged in trade with the United States and are considering expanding your business operations, the E-1 Treaty Trader Visa may provide a clear and effective route forward. Our attorneys at Santos Lloyd Law Firm are here to help you assess your qualifications and guide you through each stage of the process with clarity, strategy, and confidence.
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